SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
June 22, 2013
Sullivan’s
Salvos 6/25/13
In this edition:
*Goodbye, Jo Hogarty!
*Goodbye, Jim Swaim!
*Congrats Valerie Kemp!
*Juneteenth Celebration
*The Fez
*Did You Know?
*Goodbye, Jo Hogarty!
Jo
Hogarty of North Liberty is retiring after serving almost 27 years as the
secretary in the Board of Supervisors’ Office. She joins her husband (Joe) who
is also retiring after a long and distinguished career at Proctor and Gamble.
Jo
has seen many things, good and bad, over a long career. One of her first days
on the job, she broke up a physical fight between Recorder John O’Neil and
Supervisor Harold Donnelly. She laughed about typing up letters for
then-Supervisor Dick Myers when she could not read his writing. Jo fondly tells
the story of the Reverend Bob Welsh, still a fixture at Supervisors’ meetings
today, feeling guilty because of all the copies he requested. To make up for
it, Reverend Welsh purchased Jo a nice electric stapler, which she uses to this
day.
The
list of Supervisors with whom Jo has served is long and colorful: Janet
Shipton, Lorada Cilek, Mike Cilek, Harold Donnelly, Bob Burns, Denny
Langenberg, Dick Myers, Betty Ockenfels, Pat Meade, Don Sehr, Steve Lacina,
Charlie Duffy, Joe Bolkcom, Sally Stutsman, Jonathon Jordahl, Carol Thompson,
Mike Lehman, Terrence Neuzil, Pat Harney, Larry Meyers, Janelle Rettig, John
Etheredge, and myself.
Through it all, Jo has been hard working and professional. More
importantly, Jo is a kind woman who really cares about all of us and our
families. Thanks, Jo – you will be missed! Enjoy your retirement!
*Goodbye, Jim Swaim!
Another
retirement of note – Jim Swaim is stepping down soon after 40 years as
Executive Director of United Action for Youth (UAY). As a matter of fact, Jim
is the ONLY director UAY has ever had!
I
cannot say enough good things about Jim. He dedicated his whole life to
improving the lives of kids who had it rough. He advocated, strategized, and
got his own hands dirty. Jim Swaim walked the walk. He is truly one of the real
heroes in our midst. I admire the heck out of him.
Someone else has been hired to run UAY, and I’m certain she’ll do
a great job. But you do not replace a guy like Jim Swaim. Thank you, Jim, from
the bottom of my heart!
*Congrats Valerie Kemp!
Congratulations
to Valerie Kemp of Johnson County, who is being honored with the top national
award in her profession – the Scotia Knouff Line Officer of the Year Award.
Valerie is an 18-year employee of the Department of Corrections,
Sixth Judicial District. She is a probation/parole officer, but you wouldn’t
necessarily recognize the job the way she does it. Valerie has long been
involved in restorative justice efforts, and has made a huge impact in the
lives of people affected by the criminal justice system in Johnson County.
I have been a fan of Valerie Kemp for a long time. She has served
as an example to me in terms of trying to create a world that is more fair for
people who are poor, or victims, or under-educated, or people of color. Her
work has been inspirational.
Finally,
the rest of the world has noticed! The Scotia Knouff Line Officer of the Year
Award is the most competitive and perhaps the most prestigious practitioner
award offered by the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA). This
award honors a probation, parole or community corrections officer who has
performed assigned duties in an outstanding manner and/or made significant
contributions to the probation, parole or community corrections profession at
the local, regional or national level.
Congrats,
Valerie! You deserve it!
*Juneteenth Celebration
The Johnson County Juneteenth Community Committee,
Johnson County Social Services, Johnson County Community Partnership for
Protecting Children, Iowa City Parks and Recreation, The Coalition for Racial
Justice, ACT Inc., Iowa Dept. of Human Services, Title Boxing Inc., Strike
Martial Arts, Iowa City Human Rights Commission, Diversity Focus and the
University of Iowa African American Council, University of Iowa Chief Diversity
Office and many others invite you attend this fun-filled event for families.
The
Johnson County Juneteenth Community Committee will be hosting a day of summer
fun for all families living in Johnson County on June 29 from 12 pm to 6 pm at
Mercer Park in Iowa City.
This
is the 3rd Annual Iowa City Area Juneteenth Celebration Commemorating the End
of Slavery. Volunteers and community members will assist in activities and
games for the carnival. There will be free food (while supplies last), vendors,
music and live entertainment. Children can enjoy story time, a bouncy house,
clowns, face painting and water games (IC Fire Dept.). Adults will be able to
enter into a Bid Whist and Spades Tournament. There will be a Health and
Financial Wellness Fair indoor and a chance for participants to win wonderful
door prizes.
New
Features: This year we will have a sweet potato pie contest that will be judged
at the beginning of the event and we are taking baker’s applications up to the
day (Judging begins 12 pm to 1pm). We will also be hosting our first Juneteenth
Blood Drive!
This
is a community event for all community members of every background. It will be
uplifting for families and will provide an exciting, relaxing, safe afternoon
for you to spend time with your loved ones as well as other families in the
community on a summer day in June. Please join us at this historical event!
Rain
Location: Mercer Park Gymnasium. For more information, please contact: LaTasha
Massey, Event Chair, Community Projects Specialist for Johnson County Social
Services, 356-6090 or lmassey@co.johnson.ia.us
*The Fez
There
are many things that make Johnson County a great place to live. It does not
hurt that we are home to a Steely Dan tribute band!
After
being coaxed by friends, I finally caught The Fez Friday night. It was a fun
show! Check them out!
*DID YOU KNOW?
You can fill out flood damage reports (for FEMA and insurance purposes)
online at the County website.
Anyone
interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the
County website-
"Sullivan’s
Salvos" is sent once per week to any interested party. It will give a
brief update on issues of interest to Johnson County residents.
These messages
come solely from Rod Sullivan, and neither represents the viewpoints of the
whole Board of Supervisors nor those of groups or individuals otherwise
mentioned.
If you do NOT
want the weekly E-mail, simply reply to this message, and type
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If you know
anyone else who might be interested, just forward this message. They can E-mail
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As always,
feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com. I look forward to
serving you!
---Rod
posted by Rod Sullivan @ 1:51 PM
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